Chris Upchurch Brings His Love of Red Mountain to Everyday Wine
Benton City, WA, February 19, 2019 – “What I have learned over the years is that the art of blending is just as important in everyday wine as it is in our finest efforts,” remarked acclaimed Washington State winemaker Chris Upchurch. “And I’ve always wanted to take full advantage of the grapes on Red Mountain. The structure and richness of the fruit here over-delivers at every level.” So it was no surprise when Chris decided to expand the Upchurch Vineyard portfolio to include an everyday wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon under the newly minted label “LTL (Larger Than Life)”.
The four Upchurch Winery brands (L-R): Counterpart, Upchurch Vineyard, Southwest Facing, LTL
“Creating this wine, an everyday red which reflects his own exacting standards and approach to craftsmanship is a natural evolution as we grow and Chris continues to experiment.” commented Thea Upchurch, UV cofounder.
“Chris might know as well as anyone how truly powerful Red Mountain wines are,” added Dick Boushey, Upchurch’s vineyard manager and renowned Washington State grower. “His track record speaks for itself. We are continuing to discover Washington wines’ unique potential. Leave it to Chris to create an amazing wine at an affordable price.”
“At Upchurch Vineyard, by definition we have a limited capacity with our single vineyard,” concluded Chris. “With LTL, since we are working with vineyards in addition to our own, we can make more wine and of course reach a broader audience. And that, at the end of the day, makes any winemaker happy.”
LTL 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Mountain AVA
100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Inaugural Vintage
Cases produced 500; $30/bottle suggested retail price
Available online at LTLwine.com
Winemaker Notes
2016 LTL Cabernet Sauvignon shows classic Cabernet aromas of Provence herbs, cassis, brambleberry, cocoa powder and cracked black pepper. The mid-palette is stacked with rich accessible red and black fruits, bacon and light oak touches. It is balanced and flavorful with savory tannins and a long ripe hedonistic finish.
Winemaker
As the founding winemaker and a partner at DeLille Cellars since 1992, Chris Upchurch has crafted some of the finest and most award winning wines in Washington State. He is the only winemaker to produce two Washington State brands to receive five stars (outstanding) in Robert Parker’s Wine Buyers Guide, for both DeLille Cellars and Doyenne.
Chris and his wife Thea founded Upchurch Vineyard in 2010. His Upchurch wines have garnered much praise and recognition from the start, Upchurch Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has received 95, 93, 96, 96, and 95 point scores for its first five vintages respectfully from Jeb Dunnuck of the Wine Advocate and was featured in the March 2017 issue of the Wine Spectator. Upchurch has also received numerous local, state and regional awards.
Vineyard
Upchurch Vineyard is dedicated to sustainable farming and is certified by L.I.V.E. (Low Input Viticulture and Enology), a non-profit organization that promotes and certifies sustainable vineyard practices. It is also certified “Salmon Safe” which is a program to protect Pacific Northwest water sheds and the wild life that thrives within them.
Address and Contact Information
Winery
32901 Vineyard View PR NE
Benton City, WA 99320
Office
12022 NE 97th Street
Kirkland, WA 98033
Kelsey Upchurch, General Manager
Press Contact
Hilary Peck, (917) 855 – 4808